The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Robert Gibson Tobin, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWELVE, during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. Captain Tobin maintained an effective screen with his destroyer division for cruisers and transports, and extricated his own ships after inflicting severe damage on Japanese forces. Captain Tobin’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Captain Robert Gibson Tobin, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Cruiser U.S.S. MONTPELIER (CL-57), during the initial bombardment of Shortland-Faisi-Ballale from 30 October 1943 to 2 November 1943. Later, during an engagement with Japanese naval forces at Empress Augusta Bay, off Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on the night of 1 – 2 November 1943, with his Task Force engaging a Japanese surface force of superior fire power, Commander Tobin sought out and engaged six Japanese warships, pressing home vigorous and unrelenting attacks. He hurled the full fighting strength of his ship against the enemy and, by his inspiring leadership and skilled combat tactics, evoked the indomitable fighting spirit which enabled his officers and men to contribute materially to the sinking of four ships and the serious damaging of two others, thereby aiding in the establishment of our beachhead on Bougainville Island. Captain Tobin’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.